Flying entire life without AFD

  • Thread starter Thread starter Adler
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Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must include—

(a) For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC;

(b) For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and landing distance information:

(1) For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing distance data contained therein; and

(2) For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind and temperature.
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If there's something in the AFD, NOTAMS or a traditional "approved" source of data that was not covered by AirNav, the FAA will eat your lunch.

I've wrestled with the FAA before, they're not messin' around.

A current AFD and/or other traditional sources of flight data is a great insurance policy for when bad things unexpectedly happen.
 
MikeD said:
Who knows? Someday, the $4 you were too cheap to shell out for an AFD might just may make the difference in a situation......don't always depend on crutches to keep you upright.
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Okay, you've sold me. I've actually been trying to keep current ones with me lately anyway.
 
drunkenbeagle said:
Okay, you've sold me. I've actually been trying to keep current ones with me lately anyway.
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Of course, you may never need it either. I never thought I really would. It just came in handy during one of those times, times apart from the normal usage of it like in preflight (this was before the internet was huge too, so other sources of preflight planning weren't as prevelant). It was just a cheap green book of info at the time, that came in very handy when I found myself placed in a square corner, and I needed some pertinent info fast and right now, in order to make an informed decision and build my SA some while single-pilot.

Are you somehow unsafe without it? Of course not. But it may be a handy source of info someday in some situation. And it's lightweight, low cost, and doesn't take up too much space :)
 
Doug Taylor said:
If there's something in the AFD, NOTAMS or a traditional "approved" source of data that was not covered by AirNav, the FAA will eat your lunch.

I've wrestled with the FAA before, they're not messin' around.

A current AFD and/or other traditional sources of flight data is a great insurance policy for when bad things unexpectedly happen.
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Read, re-read and take this to heart!

The instructor in me also has to point out that your VFR sectionals are not current without a current AFD.
 
MikeD said:
Are you somehow unsafe without it? Of course not. But it may be a handy source of info someday in some situation. And it's lightweight, low cost, and doesn't take up too much space :)
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I kind of like everything fitting in my headset bag.

I've got a chart case with everything I might ever need, but the risk of hurting my back trying to carry it is too great...
 
As in everything in aviation, you have to balance safety vs practicality.

In my OPINION, the internet based data and the info on Jepp charts is enough to cover 99.9% of situations I'll ever come across. The cost and hassel of keeping a current AFD is not worth the benifit for me.

In the past, I've flown around the local area without any charts at all. However I was completely aware of all the info I needed to make that local flight.



Where you decide to put the balance in your flying is your call. Everyone will make a different choice.
 
All I'm saying is protect yourself against the unexpected.

I think if you're at the big brown desk talking to the FAA and I said, "Well, AirNav didn't mention anything about XYZ", I'd expect a very blank stare! :)

Protect yourself.
 
Doug Taylor said:
All I'm saying is protect yourself against the unexpected.

I think if you're at the big brown desk talking to the FAA and I said, "Well, AirNav didn't mention anything about XYZ", I'd expect a very blank stare! :)

Protect yourself.
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Just to bolster.....

A conversation with the FAA went like this after someone took an intersection takeoff without legit data (even though the airplane needed about 5000 BFL and they were 200' down a 10,000' RWY) with the whole FSDO watching. The FSDO was in the airplane that was blocking the full length TO distance.:

FAA: "So, where'd you get the takeoff data"

CA: "Here" <pulls out charts stamped 'Training Use Only'>

FAA didn't see any humor in that.
 
fltplan.com + Jeppview + Binder 1 = All I need. Anything else is covered under my PIC emergency authority under 91.3

-mini
 
minitour said:
fltplan.com + Jeppview + Binder 1 = All I need. Anything else is covered under my PIC emergency authority under 91.3

-mini
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In my situation, the legal was not an issue. Having the ability to find info on my own quickly paid dividends.

It's surprising how many people are so against adding to their SA bag with a small 1 lb book that's 6 inches long by 4 inches or so wide and less than a half inch thick, and cheap cost to boot. Again, you're not unsafe without it, but the abject animosity against it here is surprising.

In aviation, never say never, and never say always. It usually depends.

As I've always said: Anything and Everything can happen at any given time, with or without prior notice.
 
MikeD said:
In my situation, the legal was not an issue. Having the ability to find info on my own quickly paid dividends.

It's surprising how many people are so against adding to their SA bag with a small 1 lb book that's 6 inches long by 4 inches or so wide and less than a half inch thick, and cheap cost to boot.

In aviation, never say never, and never say always. It usually depends.
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You need some real world experience.

Jake Busey is sad....
 
When I fly I always try to have as much info as I can with me for my route and surrounding areas. I don't get why pilots make things so difficult, just carry the 4 dollar book. Its a trivial thing to argue about.
 
MikeD said:
In my situation, the legal was not an issue. Having the ability to find info on my own quickly paid dividends.

It's surprising how many people are so against adding to their SA bag with a small 1 lb book that's 6 inches long by 4 inches or so wide and less than a half inch thick, and cheap cost to boot. Again, you're not unsafe without it, but the abject animosity against it here is surprising.

In aviation, never say never, and never say always. It usually depends.

As I've always said: Anything and Everything can happen at any given time, with or without prior notice.
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That would be handy if I flew in only one region. I fly in all seven regions. Many times in two or 3 days. Should I have to carry all seven books? I don't have room for an extra 7 pound cube that's 6x4x7. Where would I keep the candy and pringles?:dunno:
 
CaptQuagmire said:
That would be handy if I flew in only one region. I fly in all seven regions. Many times in two or 3 days. Should I have to carry all seven books? I don't have room for an extra 7 pound cube that's 6x4x7. Where would I keep the candy and pringles?:dunno:
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Use it as you see fit, if you desire. I'm just putting out there where something that I'd thought I never really needed came in very handy in the right situation. Doesn't mean you have to carry a USAF Navigator's case. :)
 
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